Executive Summary Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a strengths-based, positive approach to business growth that contrasts with the traditional deficit model focused on fixing problems. AI emphasizes discovering and leveraging what works well within an organization, envisioning potential futures, designing shared positive outcomes, and committing to actions that realize those outcomes. Rooted in human potential, AI…
Jill Bornstein received her ICF certification in June of 2021 and is the founder of Upnext Leadership Coaching. Jill specializes in developing new leaders, rising executives and high performing leadership teams. Her competencies as a successful growth accelerator, business strategist, team champion, and partnership builder were built during her prior business experiences as a Fortune…
Executive Summary As professional coaching grows in diversity and complexity, coaches increasingly rely on proven process models to guide effective sessions. This blog explores three widely used coaching models: TOMS, GROW, and the 4-D Appreciative Inquiry model. Each offers a structured yet flexible framework for helping clients achieve meaningful breakthroughs. TOMS focuses on clarifying the…
Ashley Schaer is an ICF ACC certified executive coach through the Center for Executive Coaching. For over 12 years, Ashley worked for the City of Portland, Oregon, serving in leadership roles that included senior business systems analyst, senior management analyst, and safety and training program manager. In 2020, Ashley left the City of Portland to…
Robin Doenicke is the founder and CEO of Zensho Agency, a multinational consultancy and one of Japan’s most highly awarded and innovative recruitment firms. “Zensho,” which means “whole life,” reflects Robin’s belief that life should be lived holistically and with purpose, passion, and presence. He recognizes that connections can change lives, and his life mission…
Don Wetmore is a certified executive coach and author of “The Productivity Handbook.” Don’s an expert on using time wisely and boosting productivity. Recently our own productivity enthusiast Michael Neuendorff had an opportunity to sit down with Don and find out how Don helps his clients get much more out of their professional lives. Michael…
Executive Summary: Through a series of insightful interviews with experienced executive coaches, this blog post compiles ten powerful, real-world ideas to elevate your coaching practice. From building strong business systems to embracing self-awareness and learning how to sell your services effectively, these coaches share actionable advice grounded in years of practical experience. Whether you’re a…
Ashleigh Miller is a certified executive coach specializing in team coaching and team dynamics. She’s passionate about the human element in business and believes all business issues stem from people issues. Ashleigh spent the first half of her career working in professional services with Accenture and Ernst & Young. Her primary focus during that time…
Sadaf Shaikh is the founder and president of Caras Consulting, a Toronto-based boutique consultancy focused on helping business leaders create a high-performance culture within their organization while focusing on people and processes. As an executive coaching culture strategist, Sadaf provides her clients with sharp insights on people and situations, provides honest feedback guidance, and tailors…
Executive Summary In the final installment of the “Roles Coaches Play” series, we explore four more essential roles that effective coaches master to meet their clients where they are and help guide them forward. These include the Appreciator, who acknowledges and reinforces a client’s progress; the Space Holder, who provides a stable environment for reflection…
Craig Coffey is an ICF credentialed professional certified coach with 30 plus years of senior experience working for a variety of Fortune 300 companies. He’s also a diversity-equity- inclusion champion. Craig works with his clients to identify, unlock, and grow their talents and skills to achieve career ambitions, as well as build strong teams that…
Executive Summary Executive coaching plays a pivotal role in helping leaders unlock their full potential much like elite athletes rely on top-tier coaching to perform at their best. Through customized, relationship-based guidance, executive coaches empower leaders to elevate their impact by developing critical leadership competencies particularly emotional intelligence, communication, and strategic thinking. This article explores…
Trevor Blondeel is the founder of Operations Kickstart, a coaching firm focused on the needs of business leaders in the manufacturing sector. After spending over 25 years in leadership roles in manufacturing plants, Trevor found that he was actually in the “people industry.” This realization led to emotional intelligence (EI) becoming the cornerstone of his…
Executive Summary Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. To be truly effective, coaches must be able to shift between various roles depending on the needs, challenges, and growth trajectory of each individual client. This post, the second in a multi-part series, explores three critical roles that coaches often step into during an engagement: Nudger, Accountability…
Daiana Stoicescu is an executive leadership coach based in Romania. She’s a Master Certified Coach credentialed by the International Coaching Federation, a Master Certified Coaching Trainer by the Center for Executive Coaching, and a registered ICF Mentor Coach. Daiana was also the president of the ICF Romania chapter until 2019. As a Master Certified Coach Trainer…
Mike Williams has been the owner and president of The Growth Coach of Northern Virginia since June of 2015, offering strategic planning, business development and sales training to small businesses, corporations, executives, and sales teams. Mike’s diverse background includes 20 years at the Coca-Cola Company, 6 years at Mobil Chemical (now ExxonMobil), and 6 years…
The coach and coachee relationship is a dynamic one. As trust is established, outcomes are considered, actions are taken and challenges arise, the coach takes on various roles to support the client. The adoption of multiple roles can even take place in a single coaching session. Being a flexible coach able to shift among the…
Executive Summary Leadership coaching has historically been reserved for a company’s top executives either as a way to enhance high-performing leaders or remediate struggling ones. However, this exclusive approach is rapidly shifting. Organizations today are embracing the democratization of leadership coaching, extending its benefits to mid-level managers, emerging leaders, and even individual contributors. Why? Because…
Whether or not you feel you’re ready to go out and get clients for your new coaching practice, you first need to ask yourself a very important question. This question will determine whether you’re truly ready to coach; it really is a make-or-break question. Interestingly, this is also a question you’ll be asking of your…
To be an executive coach, you need a process. In this post, I’ll share a simple and solid process to use in your coaching sessions. By following this process, you’ll find you’re able to guide the client through a conversation that moves them towards the goals they’d like to achieve by working with you. A…